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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

quilt along #5

Here is my initial plan for the quilt along.(why is it that posting quilt sketches feels so revealing!?!) This sketch has a few errors, but you get the idea, at least.

Ok, let's take a closer look at the pretty fabric.It's Anna Griffin's new line The Lizzie Collection (comes out in July, I believe). This was my one market purchase. Too pretty to pass up!

Now, on to a few estimations.....

I'll start sometime after May 31, so you can finish up Jacquie's spring to finish challenge.

Quilt size: 64" x 88" (twin size)

Approximate yardage required:

Background fabric: 4 1/2 yards. I might buy 5 just in case. Having an extra bit of white hanging around wouldn't be the worst thing.

Main fabrics: I'm going to use my stack of 20 fat quarters, which will be more than plenty. IF I calculated correctly, I will only need 20 fat eighths. Or 10 fat quarters. Or 2 1/2 yards. But again, how could it hurt to buy a little too much?

Backing fabric: about 5 3/4 yards.

Binding fabric: I usually just buy a yard or whatever I choose for binding. 3/4 of a yard should be plenty.

Any questions? Anyone want to join me?

And one more question...for those of you who write patterns (even if it's "just" on your blog), when you calculate yardage, do you round up say, a quarter yard, or do you list the exact fabric requirement? For those of you who use patterns, do you buy the exact amount of fabric or do you buy a little bit extra, just in case? I guess that's two questions. ;) Any feedback would be much appreciated.

161 comments:

I don't write patterns, but I have found that when I buy them, and purchase the yardage listed on the pattern, I have TONS of fabric left over. It kind of makes me crazy. Because you have to buy what is listed, in case the fabric you need is gone later- but then you have leftovers. As you said, leftovers are not the worst thing in the world, but sometimes, and particularly if I am sewing for someone else in something that is not particularly to my taste but that I know they will love, I don't want the leftovers! Anyway, it seems to me like a quarter yard extra per fabric is almost always called for in the list on the pattern.

Either way, count me in for the quilt along- I already know what fabric I'm using!

When I write patterns, I round up about a 1/4 of a yard. That way I can accomodate for cutting errors and use the extra for scrappy binding or in the backing. I always find a use for the leftovers! It's a comfort thing for me...I feel better if I have a little more than a little less.

I don't really write patterns, but I try to round up a bit, and when I buy fabric, I rarely take a pattern and buy exactly what it asks for...I try to use my stash, and if I fall short somewhere, I fill in with something that is almost the same.

I can't wait. I really should finish what I am working on b4 i start something new...but you know how that goes.

I love this quilt - it's going to be gorgeous in your new fabrics...I'm very jealous of your market purchase!!

When I write my own patterns i ALWAYS round up! I would have to have mis-calculated and not have enough fabric. Besides, then I always have a little extra for something else :)Also, when a pattern calls for 3/4 yard, I purchase 1...just in case. I am one of those that would rather be safe than sorry!!!

I love the quilt design! I think it's fun, pretty, and I appreciate you letting us see your process.

I usually do round up, but not by much when making patterns. I only account for having about an 1/8 of a yard extra of fabric, especially if I know I won't use it in anything else. If I'm using solids though, it never hurts to buy an extra 1/2 yard. When buying fabric for a pattern, I will re-do their math before buying. I had one before that said I should buy 31 fat quarters. It turns out I only needed 9 (they wanted each square to be different- I didn't care)! Granted, I checked before I bought everything, but GEEZ. Patternmakers usually tell you how much to buy based on their own preferences and an "oops" factor.

I'm with everyone else as far as writing patterns. When I tell my quilt group what materials to buy, I try to round up just a little. I don't usually go up 1/4 of a yard (except with backing fabrics), but like if I think the quilt will need 2/3 yard for binding, I just tell them to get 3/4 yard. I'm never gonna tell someone to buy 7/8 yard -- always one yard. I figure out how many inches I need and then go to the NEAREST quarter yard. I warn them, though, that I've slightly overestimated so they don't buy MORE again and have WAY too much. Now, when I BUY -- I so rarely buy fabrics with a pattern in mind. I just buy what I like and then make it work. I definitely don't mind having extra either.

And I'm in -- of course I'm in. I have a FQ pack of Whimsy that needs an idea to be used on. You solved that for me. Thank you. Love YOUR fabrics.

I have never done a quilt-a-long before, and I think this is a great chance! I have made two quilts before, both hand quilted, but I have learned so much more just reading blogs since then. (I think I've read nearly all your posts... :) )

Both my quilts were of my own design, and kind of changing as they were being made, so I never had fabric requirements at the beginning. That being said, I love patterns, and a little extra is okay. Scrappy quilts are beautiful! :)

I am in on this one! Can't wait. When I write patterns I try and round up, but not too much, though I never mind having too much fabric. Leftovers can be incorporated into accessories or coordinating pieces.

I think I need to be in on this one. I've been a lurker for so long on the quilt-a-longs, time to get into action. And I think I am with the majority on the comments, I like extra fabric. So I usually buy more than what the pattern calls for, even when I know it is more than I need.

Oh Amandajean I wish I could quilt along with you!! Right now I'm VERY lucky to get a couple 1/2 hour sewing sessions a few times a week... My 8 week old IS starting to nap well, but there's laundry to do too :-)

At any rate... I always buy a bit extra yardage than what the pattern calls for. Better safe than sorry, eh? :-)

1. This looks like it might be a great scrap quilt. how big are those little squares?

2. When I write a pattern I always overestimate by just a little bit, but never as much as 1/4 yard. Maybe 1/8, depending on the size the pieces will be cut.

3. When I buy fabric I rarely have a project in mind for it. Because it's always seemed too expensive to me to buy it all at once plus a pattern. Plus, I'm always interested in lots of fabrics, so if I added those too - I'd spend even more. And at this point, my stash is LARGE. I don't need to purchase anything. But I might get a little extra just in case.

ohhhh a quilt along!! Interesting!! Might have to join in.Not a pattern designer BUT...what I find frustrating is when a pattern says to get say 7.5 yards for backing and then the pattern doesn't say anything but back and bind your quilt. I am wondering WHAT am I supposed to do with 7.5 yards when by MY calculations I could do the backing with say...5.5 yards. I get frustrated by the patterns in other words. If you are going to say this much yardage then at least show me HOW YOU lay it all out! Plus I think pattern designers shouldn't always assume someone knows how to do the backing piecing. Seems like every pattern shows how to do the binding and dont' we all know how to do that??? ;)

I'd love to join in. Although we may be moving in a couple of months, I will try my hand at it. I usually buy what the pattern calls for. So far it has worked out well. Actually the only time I did not have enough fabric was from a Shop Hop I did last year. I bought the quilt blocks at each shop, and some were way too skimpy. That's the last time I will do that :-(

I wrote my own pattern for this quilt http://beckyanndesigns.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-first-quilt.html I strip pieced it and I think my strips were 3" wide. I was actually making 2 identical quilts for my daughters. I calculated the yardage and had only about 1/4 yard left over total. After I have sewn the quilts, I was getting pretty sick of looking at some of the fabric. I had just enough left over to make a doll quilt and a few scraps I can make pillows with or something. I don't want a ton of leftovers, but a little bit is ok.

What a beautiful pattern for a quilt along! I will have to seriously consider joining again, expecially since it starts after May 31. I always, always buy more material because I know the odds of me making a cutting mistake is pretty high, plus there's always lot's to do with the left over scraps.

I'm in! I have just got to put the binding on my 9-patch from the first round of that quilt-a-long. It is actually amazing how lovely it turned out (I hated it most of the time I was making it!!) I love the quilt-a-long concept it really does motivate me, plus I can do with another stash-buster!

Ooh, I'd love to do this, but it will have to be put on the list for later (I've got way too many projects going on right now as it is . . . but so tempting!).

If I'm buying for something I designed myself, I always buy a little extra, just in case, but if I'm using a pattern I usually buy what it says, since most of them I've seen have a little extra built in.

I buy the exact amount of fabric. I don't like a lot left over. Oftentimes, I can barely afford to buy the required amount of fabric, so I hope it doesn't call for more than is needed. Cute squares quilt and fabric.

I'm excited to see you posting again! Your newest quilt is lovely. I would *like* to try to make this with you. As per the last time though, I would have two of these lovely quilts to make. I have so many FQ cuts sitting in bins, so all I will need to purchase is extra background fabric.

BTW, I always round up my yardage needs by 0.25 yards. ( If I really love the fabric, I'll buy as much as 0.5 yards extra just because :) ).

I'd like to join in, but I've never joined a quilt along before, in fact I'm in the process of making my very first quilt! Will it be suitable for beginners? How big are the little squares in your quilt sketch?

Oh - I think I have to get in on this! I've been collecting a special pile o' fabrics and I've been stuck on a design and this one looks very different from anything I've thought of but it may be just perfect!

I've only made about 10 quilts or so but only one from a pattern. I used my stash so I'm not sure if the pattern's requirements were more or less compared to what I used.

I have a bad tendency to way overbuy fabric. I think part of it is just being a bit of a newbie and part is panic that I'll run out and not be able to get any more of the same design. I'm getting better about adding to my stash in smaller increments unless I have something specific in mind.

I love your blog! Those new fabrics are yummy also! When calculating measurements...I usually round up 1/4 meter to give a bit extra for mistakes- same thing goes when I buy fabric- I usually buy at least 1/4 meter more of each fabric (unless it's supposed to be really scrappy and I only need 1/8th yrd of each to start with). If there is a fabric that I really love I sometimes will buy a meter more just so I have it for another project in the future. Hope this helps :o)

Can't pass up a quilt-along... looks fab... whne I write patterns I usually round up but not by too much cos most times I don't want large peices left over... way to much for the stash.... I usually round up by 1/8 yd maybe... allowing for those that wash fabrics and also those that may cut wrong.... 10% is usually the go..... Hugs Dawn x

Lovely fabrics!I round up in my patterns, but I try not to round up too much, but I like to make sure there is enough for the odd cutting mistake or a fat quarter that hasn't been cut straight. And the left overs can always be used in the backing.

Definitely will be joining...and using a fat quarter bundle I bought at sample spree at spring market in Portland. I've been wondering what to do with it--love the fabric and this will be the perfect project.

Yes, I always round up a little bit for patterns, and sometimes buy a bit more than a purchased pattern calls for, but not usually too much because hopefully the designer has rounded up a bit...

I adore your sketch, and appreciate that you shared it with us. Just because of that preview, I would love to join in on this quilt along. As if I need another project, but hey, who doesn't?! I think I can "scrounge" up enough fat quarters and order the solid to make a go of this!

I am totally in! I love the sketch. (Your sketch looks much better than mine usually do.)I will be looking for the fabrics. I love the delicate colors you chose but I might try something a little darker-we'll see.I don't write patterns but I always over buy so that I will be sure not to run out. If I am tired of the fabric I just use it in a give-away quilt so I don't see it everywhere I turn.Rebecca O of Buffalo

I always like to buy a little extra for any project that way I for sure have enough!! :) (especially with stuff I know would be hard to find again...)

I'd like to design my own though...and if I did, I think I'd write the pattern using the actual measurements used with a suggested yardage with a bit extra...(cover for the ones who like exact and the ones who like a little more!!

I like the simplicity of the pattern, and the fabrics are super pretty. I think it would be fun to join in on this one.

As for fabric measurements, I tend to round up for my own patterns, and still tend to round up a quarter yard if following someone else's pattern. I'm still new enough that I'm convinced I'll make too many errors and won't have enough and the fabric will be gone.

I wouldn't want too much extra fabric when following someone else's pattern, but a quarter-yard overage built in would help offset cutting errors or get used elsewhere pretty easily.

Okay, I am back again. I blew up the photo and it looks like the strips needed are 2.5" - is that right? Would a jelly roll work for this? or would you need 2 or more? Uh oh. Quilt math. I really am not very good at that.

If I'm doing the math, I round up. If I am buying for a printed pattern, I trust the amount except for the backing. Some patterns use a horizontal seam for figuring the backing. I REALLY don't love horizontal seams. I'm in for the challenge! Looks like fun.

Oh, I am so in for my first crazy-mom quilt-a-long! I know from experience with bag and clothes patterns, at least those of the quilting/bag/clothes/awesome fabric pattern genre of late--they always over-estimate. Not that I mind having those "scraps", but Then a bag might not cost $70!!!

Oh dear. I have been moving very systematically down my list of "quilts for Christmas", but your quilt along might be too much fun to resist...

As to your question of extra fabric, I always buy extra by about 1/4 yard when I'm making a quilt from a pattern. I have made goofy cutting errors in the past and do not want to wind up short. I often buy my fabric and then get waylaid and don't start on my quilt for a few months, by which time the fabric I have chosen is no longer widely available.

When I write a pattern, which I have done only a few times, I am generous in my yardage requirements. I am writing these patterns only for myself, so I use the same reasoning I do for professionally written patterns.

It's been interesting to read everyone else's comments--what a great community you have here.

I definetly round up. I always allow at least a quarter yard over when designing, and when purchasing I try to buy roughly a yard over, just incase I decide to size up or make a second quilt.

I have had it happen that when I go to make the quilt, I miss-estimated or change the design and wind up needing more of a fabric. This is a big problem as I usually buy my fabric not long after I design or purchase the pattern, but it can take me a year or more before I actually make the quilt.

If I wind up needing more fabric, then I have to adapt my pattern or design to the fabric that I have. So I always try to buy up.

Plus worse case scenario you have enough for a doll/child quilt or pillowcase.

I always buy more fabric than what is required. First I don't mind having more fabric than what I need, and second, I hate to be difficult for the fabric store ladies, (I think it's eaisier to cut, say one yard of fabric rather that 5/8 of a yard). Hope that helps;)

Looks like that sketch is gonna turn out to be a really nice quilt! When i buy a pattern, I also buy the amount of fabric that it says that I should need on the pattern. If I make a pattern on my own, I always calculate with more fabrics, because I know I could have measured wrong :) When I buy a pattern I hope they have test-sewed the quilt before they sell the pattern.Have a nice day!

I always (re)calculate the fabrics needed, working from a pattern or my own design. I round up to a half meter for the background and often work with fat quarters or fat eights for the printed fabrics. I don’t like buying too much fabric for a project, because overhere we often pay € 18,- ($ 22,-) for a metre of quiltfabric.

I usually use fabric from my stash, but if I have to buy fabric, I usually round up because my fabric store is annoyingly chintzy on their cuts - exactly what you request, no more no less. Which would be great if the fabric was folded and cut straight, but I've had too many times where I needed exactly a yard, and after straightening the fabric out and squaring it off, I had less than that! So I almost always buy at least 1/8 yard more than I need. Which explains why I love scrappy quilts so much!!

Fun looking quilt-along - I don't think I'll be able to participate this time (too many projects in the hopper) but I'll watch and try for the next one!

Count me in. I haven't done a quilt-along before, so this is the perfect opportunity!

As for drafting and fabric - I always add 1/8 to 1/4 yd. to the amount I think I'll need. I drafted a very complex flannel quilt for a friend, and when I was working through the layout one last time (remember ladies: measure twice, cut once!), I realized I shorted myself almost 1/2 yd. on the fabric I wanted to showcase... It meant changing the entire look of the quilt. My friend doesn't know he got a "make-do" quilt, but I do! So now, I always err on the side of too much fabric.

Great sketch...when I did patterns for my shop I always rounded up by about an 1/8th, if it was something I thought might be prone to cutting errors I rounded up 1/4. I always wanted them to have enough in case they bought fabric that they couldn't get again. When I buy fabric, I usually buy the same way, if I think I may goof cutting I always get an extra 1/4.

Hi, I don't write patterns, but I sure do buy a lot of them! I always buy more fabric than needed, for two reasons: 1) sometimes it is difficult to eke out the right amount of cuts from a fat quarter, especially if there is a specific cutting method that is not clearly defined in the directions or is really to difficult for me to execute and 2) sometimes I make mistakes such as forgetting that a design needs to be on point and I've already cut a few pieces (oops!).There have been times that I don't like the fabric I have left over, so I just Freecycle it. I am glad your blog is back--I love it!

I've never written a pattern, but as a pattern follower, I prefer to have a generous yardage calculation. I don't mind having some left over. It's better than being afraid of running out! Excited about this quiltalong!

This looks like fun. Not sure if I'll be able to go along for the ride right now but I might be trying it later :) I have way to many things to finish right now.I don't think I've ever bought fabric all specifically for one pattern. I usually end up collecting fabric that I like and then figuring out what I can do with it and adding to it if needed. I have a nice fat quarter bundle sitting pretty on my shelf though...

When I am writing a pattern, I round up a 1/4 yard. I think it's okay if you do it either way as long as you state this in your pattern. For example your directions could say "Exactly 2 3/8 yards" or "a minimum of 2 3/8 yards" that way people have a choice to buy a bit more if they like. As for using a pattern, if I like the fabric I always buy more! I am up for your quilt along as well, I am going to use some vintage sheets from a swap!

I don't think my comment posted.I'm in! A chance to use up some of my scraps. Yay!As for the pattern. I round up to the next quarter yard. And, if I need to cut the fabric a specific way to ensure that I have enough (usually when there are long strips), I make sure to explain that.Can't wait!

Like your plan, the more I look at the sketch the more I like it. How long will the quilt along take? Are you going to give us a couple weeks to get our fabric together before you begin?When I buy fabric for a quilt, whether it is one I've thought up or from a pattern, I tend to buy just a little extra, especially for borders and sashing. Nothing worse than making a boo boo and having no more fabric!

A quilt along sounds like a good idea. I might join you... When I buy fabric for a specific project I always buy a little extra. This way I don't go crazy if I make a mistake. And also because I love leftovers...

I do write patterns for a quilting class that I teach on Monday nights. I always round up by approx 1/4 yard. One time I accidentally put the exact measurement down and I got a lot of complaints from people who said they did not have enough fabric. You really need to consider that, depending on their cut of fabric, they may have a lot of waste making their initial square-up -- not all fabric stores cut straight lines when cutting your fabric for you. It is also a buffer for cutting errors.

In general when I buy patterns, I buy the exact amount listed, assuming they have also been generous with their yardage listings. So far so good on that...

I'm really excited to be joining you, even if it has to wait until my WIP's are finished this summer. As far as patterns, I usually buy exactly what they call for, except I'm realizing that leaves me with a lot of extra - like you said, not the worst thing, but when the budget is tight, I might get a bit risky and buy slightly less.

Your quilt design looks super adorable - and yes, I am always an extra fabric buyer - except of course, for those times when i really need it, like for a binding, or a backing...and then I *have* to go out and buy MORE fabric! When will it ever end? ;)

I'm soooo in!!!! my first quilt along. and yes, i always buy a little extra. i figure it would be too hard to come up with extra after...it's worth the extra bucks. and i'll just use my scraps for your filmstrip quilt.

I want to do it. I usually round up my yardages to 1/4 yard increments because it seems silly to buy 3/8ths. I don't mind patterns that have extra because if I picked the fabric out for one quilt, the leftovers will always find a home in a later quilt.

I haven't ever written a pattern...and I've never really made a quilt from a pattern....BUT I would probably buy just what was listed unless it was something I really loved. The new fabrics look great!

I am excited for a quilt a long...you do the best ones! As far as fabric goes...I purchase what the pattern says unless I want a scrappy version then I might substitute a few extra fabrics. I trust the designer to give me the amount I need and I trust myself to cut according to the instructions. I don't feel the designer is responsible for my error. I am just fine with 1/8 yard more than necessary but I hate patterns that tell you to purchase a half yard more than I need...that's my 2 cents.

I buy extra -- if I really like the fabric and want some hanging around. And, because sometimes I goof when cutting. But I'd rather say the extra is for my stash. *grin* I typically don't follow patterns to the letter --- so I'm usually figuring out yardage on my own 'cause I size up or down at my whim.

OH -- this looks like lots of fun, and what a pretty pattern and fabrics. When buying fabric, I usually buy extra. Not so much for possible errors (which DO happen), but because I always have so much fun playing around with the leftovers. Sometimes after I start cutting for a quilt, I get further inspiration and piece a top with the leftovers before I actually piece the original quilt idea. Sounds a little weird, I know, but I don't think I am alone in doing this :).

Q1 when Ive tested Ive found that exact may not allow for any squaring of fabrics, so I'd round up by 1/8th.

Q2. depends on the project I'm buying for, sometimes exact, but truthfully, if it's so good I love it I'll round it up a bit more. As I buy in meters not yards I will frequently by the yd amount but in meters so I have a little extra anyway.

I always buy way more than I'm told (not that I ever particularly follow patterns, but on the odd time I do). However, scraps are one of my favourite things - I'd rather make a scrap quilt than an actual quilt, if you know what I mean, so it's never bothered me! Which is no help to you at all...

Definitely up for a quilt along - I can't get enough of fussy, teeny weeny pieces at the moment.

Sounds like fun! I do write patterns, and I always round up the measurement to the width of the largest strip required of each fabric (this allows for cutting errors)~I don't purchase too many patterns anymore, but when I did I always bought a little extra, just in case; come to think of it, I still buy just a pinch more when buying backing fabrics. I'm such a junky!

I always buy too much fabric....hence the massive fabric stash in my house! I would love to join in also. What do we do? I am using my mobile at moment, so best grab the computer and read the full blog post for details :-) count me in though!

don't know it I'll join in on this one or not, I have like 5 quilts waiting to be finished already. BUT, I just had to say I'm so thrilled to see you back, I had no idea you were blogging again until i read about it on another blog. :) Your quilting just sparks my creativity! Yippee!

Ooh, I'm in. I've been contemplating a 9-patch for my son's bed of oranges, blues and whites...(We're Gator fans through and through!) But I think I might like this better...a little more interesting. Of course, I might always change my mind and make it for me instead...we'll see!Also--I always buy more fabric if I can help it. That way I have room to mess up and change my mind!kellikellbell_6@hotmail.com

I sooooo want to do this quilt along. And there is a fq bundle at my local quilt shop that I would buy to do it with. I have been eyeing it up for a while... this would be the perfect excuse to purchase!!!

Amanda Jean, (or anyone with an idea)I had a question for you--I was thinking of making it a full-size bed quilt. Any suggestions? I'm not sure how to add width without adding length? I can always just use different fabrics and make it twin-sized and give it to my husband (he's so tall he always complains that throws are too short to keep him covered!), and I may do that anyway, but any ideas on widening it??THANKS!!kellikellbell_6@hotmail.com

Oh my how cute. I usually don't follow patterns I just sew what comes to my head or I see on other blogs. The few I have followed I always round up a little. I'm sure to make some kind of mistake plus then I can add to my scrap stash. However I will say one time when following directions I ended up with a ton of extra fabric. It was one of my first pattern quilts and I bought everything to the T. They had an out outrageous amount of fabric needed for the binding. ??? Guess they didn't realize you could cut several strips out of the yardage...I don't know maybe I goofed but I still have some of that material left.